Bacteria-responsive cytoderm drug delivery systems†

Abstract

Signs of bacterial activities have been reported in a variety of disease models. Here, we extracted plant cytoderm ghosts (PCGs) from plant cells, acting as bacteria-responsive drug delivery systems (DDSs) that release drugs specifically in response to the presence or activity of bacteria. Cellulose, which is one of the main components of PCGs, can be degraded in the presence of specialized bacteria that secrete enzymes to convert the cellulose into simpler sugars, thus breaking down the structure of PCGs to release the loaded drugs. In our study, PCGs loaded with ciprofloxacin (PCG@CIP) could effectively inhibit the proliferation and retention of bacteria at the infection site, and improve the local wound microenvironment to accelerate wound repair. In addition, the PCG platform with anticancer drugs could effectively regulate the progression of tumor growth. Therefore, we report a new drug delivery system that responds to the microbiota based on plant cytoderm, providing a new option for drug responsive delivery.